Shop with a Cop program in need of donations, organizers say

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times
Smith Elementary School student Tyler Jeffries, 10, (left) picks out toys with the help of Patricia Brady, wife of a Corpus Christi Police Department officer during the 14th annual Shop With a Cop event at the Flour Bluff Wal-Mart. Organizers said this year the program is about $15,000 short in donations compared to years past.

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times
Smith Elementary School student Jaden Montefalcon, 5, shops at Wal-Mart in Flour Bluff with the help of Agent Bobby Picket, with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, during the 14th annual Shop With a Cop event. Organizers said this year the program is about $15,000 short in donations compared to years past.

Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times
Corpus Christi Police Department cadet Gabriel Gutierrez helps Smith Elementary School student Brandon Lyle, 7, select toys last year during the Shop With a Cop event at the Flour Bluff Wal-Mart. Organizers said this year the program is about $15,000 short in donations compared to years past.

CORPUS CHRISTI - A longtime Christmas program known for giving to needy children is hoping for a little holiday help this year.

Organizers with Shop with a Cop said the program is nearly $15,000 short in donations compared to years past.

Last year, the program took about 400 underprivileged children shopping, buying them clothes, toiletries, toys and more.

This December, officials expect to take about 315 children shopping, while many more sit on a waiting list because of a dip in funds.

"We don't have the money to do what we did last year," said Capt. Ed Shannon of the Corpus Christi Police Department.

The program began 15 years ago with one law enforcement agency and about 10 children. It has grown to include needy children from almost every area school district. The program recently expanded to include Kingsville and Portland area students.

Officers include those from area, state and federal agencies, many coming to shop during their time off after working long shifts, Shannon said.

Organizers believe Shop with a Cop strengthens relationships between law enforcement agencies and the community.

"The goal is try and build a bridge between officers and underprivileged children who may not meet us in such a positive light in their daily lives," Shannon said.

What makes the program standout from others is most of the $100 spent on each child goes to necessities.

Officers buy children shoes, socks, pants, coats and toiletries — anything they might be lacking. The remaining $20 is spent on a Christmas toy for the child, though many choose to spend the money on gifts for family instead, Shannon said.

"It can bring tears to your eyes," he added. "You see not only the need in people, but the good in them too."

Shop with a Cop begins the first week in December and continues with several shopping excursions through Christmas.